How politicians and community leaders responded to issues raised on the newspaper's opinion page:

The issue: Wireless libraries

Grade

A

What we said: "Jackson is at the cutting edge. This month the Carnegie Branch is expected to begin offering WiFi. ... All 13 branches are expected to have the service by the end of 2009." (Sept. 27, 2005)

What has happened: Three years ago, wireless Internet access largely was a novelty in the Jackson area. Today, it's seemingly everywhere.

The Jackson District Library deserves part of the credit for that. The library system started adding wireless Internet access, known as WiFi, at its branches, one by one. In June, Hanover became the last of 13 library branches to offer wireless Internet to patrons.

That is a job well done  and about 18 months ahead of the original schedule!

The issue: MSU's secret police report

Grade

D

What we said: "Michigan State University should reverse its stance and release this 2-year-old report. If not, the court should make that decision for the school." (March 12)

What has happened: The student newspaper, The State News, has been working since February 2006 to view a complete police report about an assault inside an MSU dorm. Campus police have refused to release the report.

Last month, the state Supreme Court largely sided with the university's hush-hush approach. That is too bad for students, parents and taxpayers who want to know what happens at a public university  particularly if a campus is safe.

A lawyer who represented The State News told the Associated Press that the Supreme Court's ruling "seems to stand common sense on its head."

Some portion of the report might yet be released. The court told a trial judge to consider whether parts of the document can be released to the public.